This special briefing will critically analyse the outcomes of the 16 March 2014 referendum on the future of Crimea, attempt to explain Russia's rationale behind its hard power approach, options available to western powers in influencing Russia and their implications for Australia, and the growing power of extremist groups within the Ukrainian political and security landscape.

Dr Alexey D. Muraviev, Head of the Department of Social Sciences and International Studies at Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia. He is a Coordinator of the International Relations and National Security programs and the founder and Director of the Strategic Flashlight forum on national security and strategy at Curtin.